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Tune
Up Your Networking Skills!
by
Nelson Abreu
I
recently attended a seminar on improving one's networking skills and
thought I would share some of the information I learned with RNO readers.
It was clear that everyone there, regardless of their profession type,
level of experience or industry background, agreed that an improvement
in their networking skills would contribute to more positive results
in their careers. I was surprised that of the approximately 50 people
in attendance only two were professional recruiters. Considering that
networking is the cornerstone of our profession I was a little disappointed
that there were so few of us there. So here's a doggy-bag of tips that
I brought home for you all. Enjoy!
Key
traits of an effective networker:
- Your
contacts must understand your need.
- Your
contacts must like you or at least have a reason to like you. A smile,
sharp appearance, confidence, positive attitude, etc.
- Your
contacts must trust you or must find you trustworthy. Mentioning clients,
assignments completed, your experience, recommendations, etc.
How
to build a network:
- Develop
a powerful and diverse contact base as it applies to your needs.
- Create
a positive/powerful message. Leave your contacts with positive statements
at the end of conversations.
Key
strategies:
- Those
who give, gain! If you are always asking people of ways you can benefit
from their help they won't be around for too long.
- Networks
need tending to. A network that doesn't talk is simply a phone book.
Make an effort to communicate regularly even if that means remembering
birthdays and such.
Things
to Remember:
- First
impressions are judged 50% on appearance, 40% on voice projection
and 10% on content.
- Wear
name badges on the right lapel because this is the hand you extend
to greet with, hence makes your name obvious.
- Keep
business cards in your left pocket and contact's cards in your right
pocket.
- You
can reach for your cards with your left hand as you greet with your
right and cards will never get mixed up.
- Look
at the other person's business card before putting it in your pocket.
- Aim
to connect the web of your thumb with that of the person you are shaking
hands with. Weak hand-shakes are generally received poorly.
- Hold
drinks in your left hand to help aviod the ice-cold hand shake.
- Don't
interrupt a conversation between two people you don't know in order
to introduce yourself.
Nelson
Abreu
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